Lucky numbers

Think of a number. Any number.

According to Lene Lovich, your lucky number is one. Then again, 3 is the magic number, according to De La Soul.

What about number 8? Number 8 is the symbol of harmony and balance, but also power and strength. Number 8 is a very lucky number in China, meaning prosperity. Spiders have 8 legs, umbrellas 8 sides, an octopus has 8 arms. The solar system has 8 planets, and of course there are 8 days a week. I can hear you thinking 7, but I like The Beatles.

Add 9 to the number you thought of above.

How lucky is number 12? The number 12 was celebrated as a mystical number in the ancient times. It’s the number that means positivity and opportunity. 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 days of Christmas and The Beatles released 12 studio albums.

Multiply that number by 2.

Most people have their own lucky numbers. Numbers they choose for the lottery, picking raffle tickets, playing bingo… clickety duck. That’s 62, just in case you didn’t know. Numbers are useful: your bank PIN, your telephone number, your birthdate.

Subtract 4.

One of the most important numbers for you, if you own a company, is your authentication code. This is the code you need to send us your information online.

The authentication code is a 6-digit alphanumeric code, issued by us to each company. It's used to authorise information filed online, and is the equivalent of a company officer’s signature.

Divide the remainder by 2.

How to get your code? You’ll need to register your email address and password, select request authentication code, enter your company registration number, and request code. Your code will be sent by post to your company’s registered office - if your company already has a code, a reminder will be sent.

For security reasons, the code can’t be sent by email or provided over the phone.

Subtract the number you first chose.

The same authentication code can be used for your company, whether you’re using our online filing services or third-party software. To change or cancel your code, use the ‘Company authentication’ section of our online filing service. You can change your code to something more memorable, but don’t make it easy to guess.

Look after your code. You should treat your company’s authentication code with the same care you would your bank card PIN. Anyone who knows your code, has the ability to change your company’s details online. Remember, we’ll never ask you what your authentication code is over the phone, and if your reports are due soon, don’t wait 'til the last minute to request your code. Delivery could take longer than usual, depending on the time of year.

Lastly, to the most-common lucky number. Number 7, the world’s favourite number. 7 days a week (not 8 as above), 7 colours of the rainbow, 7 dwarves and the number you should have calculated.

About Companies House

Our staff blog about themselves and their work, Companies House services and the information we hold on the register. We also invite guest bloggers who have an interest in UK companies and business advice.